FMX Battle set to Thrill Tauranga Spectators!

New Zealand’s only Freestyle Motocross championship has expanded into a two-part series with Tauranga hosting the second round this summer. The FMX Battle will be commencing on 3rd January at the Tauranga Domain’s Wharepai Reserve with what is said to be an even tougher line-up of competitors than last year. The event made its debut last December, in Wanganui and proved to be a great night out for all ages. It’s head-to-head competition style making it fast paced and spectator friendly

With rivals from over the ditch returning again this year, the competition is guaranteed to be worth watching. The line-up of riders is, to say the least, impressive. Last year’s champion and Red Bull rider, Nick Franklin, has confirmed his participation and Steve Sommerfeld, third place rival, will also be back with a score to settle. New faces to Red Bull FMX Battle include Crusty Demon Steve Mini who has recently been touring Australia with world champion, Travis Pastrana, and the Nitro Circus.

New Zealand will be well represented with Encounter FMX riders Josh Thomson, Mitch McHardy, and Liston Borrie all set to take on the championship challenge. Crowds may even see first-time competitor, Jason White, take the stage which just goes the show the great opportunities this event is providing to the industry.

The brain behind the operation is ‘Scary’ Mary Perkins, New Zealand’s own Freestyle Motocross queen, who is now retired from riding herself but still holds a strong involvement in the sport. Perkins runs Encounter FMX, New Zealand’s premier FMX team and has been pushing for a competition like FMX Battle to take place as she believes it will help advance the sport in New Zealand. She has confirmed that $10,000 prize money will be put on the line for Australasia’s most impressive and consistent rider.
“It has always a dream of mine to develop a NZ Championship FMX series. I want the athletes in this sport to receive exposure for their efforts and create an incentive for more riders’ involvement” said Mary.

‘Scary’ Mary and her team are running the competition in a similar format to the popular Red Bull X-Fighters tour and as Red Bull has already signed on as an event sponsor, plans are well underway. For more information check out fmxbattle.co.nz.

ENDS

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